Overview

The Australian Meat and Livestock Industry Act 1997 was enacted by the Parliament of Australia to establish a framework for the governance, regulation, and promotion of the meat and livestock industries within the country. This Act was introduced to address the need for structured oversight and regulation of these industries, aiming to ensure their sustainable development and competitiveness in the global market. The policy objective of the Act includes fostering innovation, enhancing productivity, and supporting the overall economic viability of the meat and livestock sectors. On 28th June 2013, Rona Mellor, acting in her capacity as the Acting Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, determined the Gross Value of Production for the red meat industry for the 2012–2013 financial year under section 66 (3) of the Act. This determination, amounting to $10,384,127,056, is designated for funding research and development activities within the industry. This legislative action exemplifies the ongoing commitment to improving the sector’s efficiency and innovation, aligning with the broader objectives of the Act.

Scope and Application

The Gross Value of Production for the Red Meat Industries for the 2012-2013 financial year, as determined by the Acting Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, signifies the total revenue generated by the red meat industry for that period. This specific legislation applies directly to the red meat industry, encapsulating all entities and individuals involved in the production, processing, and distribution of red meat within Australia. The Act mandates that the determined Gross Value of Production be utilized for funding research and development activities, thereby fostering advancements and efficiencies within the sector. Geographically, the Act operates under the purview of the Commonwealth, impacting all states and territories within Australia. It is important to note that while the Act sets a clear threshold for the Gross Value of Production, it does not specify any exclusions or exemptions from its application, thus ensuring comprehensive coverage across the industry. Any further extension or restriction of the Act’s application is contingent upon subordinate instruments, which may provide additional guidelines or clarifications as necessary.

Key Provisions

The legislation in question, C2013G01017, pertains to the determination of the Gross Value of Production (GVP) for the red meat industries for the financial year 2012–2013. According to section 66(3) of the Australian Meat and Livestock Industry Act 1997, the Acting Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Rona Mellor, has determined the GVP for the red meat industry at $10,384,127,056. This amount is earmarked for research and development activities within the industry, illustrating the legislative intent to support and enhance the industry's capabilities through targeted funding. The determination of the GVP places an obligation on the red meat industry to utilise the allocated funds specifically for research and development purposes. This requirement is intended to foster innovation, improve production methods, and increase the overall efficiency and sustainability of the industry. By providing a clear financial allocation for these activities, the Act ensures that there is a structured approach to funding research, which can lead to tangible improvements in the industry's performance and competitiveness. In terms of compliance and enforcement, while the specific legislation does not detail offences or penalties for misuse of the GVP funds, breaches of the Australian Meat and Livestock Industry Act 1997 can result in a variety of civil or criminal consequences. These can include fines, imprisonment, or both, depending on the severity of the breach. For example, under section 60 of the Act, an individual or entity found to have engaged in fraudulent activities related to the determination of the GVP could face significant penalties. The maximum penalties are not specified in this particular gazette but can vary widely based on the nature and impact of the breach.